Lecture 3b: clinical analysis of gait

Question 1

Head

Answer 1

neutral position, ability to look around

Question 2

• Arm swing

Answer 2

symmetrical, alternating to limbs

Question 3

• Trunk

Answer 3

symmetrical and upright- note any deviations/rotations

Question 4

• Pelvis

Answer 4

neutral position- note tilts, rotation or dropping in stance

Question 5

• Hip

Answer 5

o Shift onto stance leg and move from flex to ex
o From toe-off, hip flexes into swing phase
o Note if limited ROM, any rotation, excess ab/ad

Question 6

• Knee

Answer 6

o From toe-off moves from ex to flex until mid-swing
o From mid swing moves from flex to ex
o Extension at heel strike, slight flexion for absorption, extension through stance
o Note limited ROM, valgus/varus, hyperextension

Question 7

• Ankle

Answer 7

o DF during swing to clear ground and achieve heel strike
o PF during push-off
o Note fore foot or flat foot initial contact, foot slap, toe dragging, vaulting

Question 8

• Subtalar joint

Answer 8

o Inversion at heel strike
o Eversion at loading
o Maximum at mid-stance
o Inversion at toe-off

Question 9

• Foot

Answer 9

o Mid-tarsal joint flattens arch slightly during loading response
o 1st MTP joint extends at toe-off to propel and maintain arch
o Extension of all MTP’s allows foot to progress over toes in terminal stance

Question 10

• Overall pattern/quality

Answer 10

o	Base of support
o	Ataxia (lack of coordination)
o	Associated reactions
o	Fixed gaze
o	Assistance required